How to Add a Screen Saver in XP

Screen savers were originally created to prevent monitor "burn-in."

Microsoft Windows XP allows for the use of screen savers on your computer's monitor. Screen savers were originally created to prevent monitor "burn-in." This caused a computer image to etch or leave an imprint on the monitor if it was displayed for a long period of time. With improvements in computer monitor technology, screen savers are used more for entertainment than to prevent "burn-in." You can enjoy computer animations and even slide shows of personal pictures in your XP screen saver.

Things You'll Need

• Microsoft Windows XP operating system

Instructions

Adding a Microsoft XP Screen Saver

1. Using your computer's mouse, right-click on the computer desktop.

2. Click on "Properties" from the drop-down menu.

3. In the "Display Properties" window, click on the "Screen Saver" tab.

4. Click on the screen saver drop-down list. Scroll through the list of available screen savers and click on the one that you want.

5. Click on the "Preview" button to see how the screen saver will look on your monitor. Move your mouse to end the preview.

6. You can set the number of minutes that the screen saver will start after the computer is idle. To do so, click the up and down arrows next to "Wait."

7. Click on the "OK" button to save your screen saver preferences.

Adding a Slide-Show Screen Saver from Your Pictures

1. Using your mouse, right-click on the computer desktop and select "Properties" from the drop-down menu.

2. In the "Display Properties" window, click on the "Screen Saver" tab.

3. Click on the screen saver drop-down list. Select "My Pictures Slideshow."

4. You can set the number of minutes that the screen saver starts after the computer is idle. Click the up and down arrows next to "Wait" to change the minutes.

5. Click the "OK" button to save your screen saver preferences.

Tips & Warnings

• Click the "Start" button at the bottom right of your computer screen to add a screen saver to your desktop as a shortcut. Click on "Search." Select "All files and folders" in the search results window. Type "*.scr" in the "All or Part of the File Name" box and click the Search button. This will show you a list of screen savers. Find the screen saver that you want and right-click on it. Select "Send To" from the list. Select "Desktop (Create Shortcut)."

References

• Microsoft: Create a Personal Screen Saver Using Your Photos
• Microsoft: Instantly Activate a Screen Saver